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At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police. This comes as violent protests seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry have paralysed the country.&nbsp;

<h2>Five agents of BSAP killed</h2>

Haiti has witnessed a fresh wave of violence since Monday (Feb 5) as thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Kenya: Mission to Haiti stalled yet again

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On Wednesday, the police trade union, as per Reuters said five agents of Haiti’s Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP), an armed environmental agency, were killed after a shootout with national police in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.&nbsp;

Additionally, three other members of the agency were arrested, said the police.&nbsp;

The recent clash follows days of protests across the country ahead of the February 7 deadline which Henry had promised to step down by, and on which Haitian presidents are traditionally sworn into office.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-un-flags-violence-as-531-die-in-gang-wars-in-2023-so-far-574337">Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far</a>

Haiti, since Monday, has been witnessing clashes between rival gangs, police and civilian vigilante groups leading to a devastating impact on the local residents who often face indiscriminate killings, rampant sexual violence, lootings, kidnaps for ransom and arson.&nbsp;

The police later used tear gas to disperse protesters, who set fire to car tyres.&nbsp;

<h2>Haiti&nbsp;PM urges calm</h2>

In his first statement since the violent protests broke out on Monday, Henry urged calm in a brief public address early Thursday (Feb 8). “I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” he said.&nbsp;

The incumbent PM also urged Haitians not to look at the government or the country’s national police as their adversaries, adding that those who choose violence to take power are “not working in the interests of the Haitian people.”&nbsp;

Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as Haiti’s security issues are resolved.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-sounds-alarm-over-new-wave-of-extreme-violence-in-haiti-600-killed-in-april-590623">UN sounds alarm over 'new wave of extreme violence' in Haiti; 600 killed in April</a>

Notably, the incumbent PM assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021.&nbsp;

In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections.

Henry had “not provided any solutions to our problems,” a protester, 40, who declined to give his name told AFP.&nbsp;

He added, “The country is being held hostage by gangs. We can’t eat. We can’t send our children to school,” he added. “We can’t take it anymore.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police.

At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police. This comes as violent protests seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry have paralysed the country. Five agents of BSAP killed Haiti has witnessed a fresh wave of violence since Monday (Feb 5) as thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign. WATCH | Kenya: Mission to Haiti stalled yet again On Wednesday, the police trade union, as per Reuters said five agents of Haiti’s Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP), an armed environmental agency, were killed after a shootout with national police in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Additionally, three other members of the agency were arrested, said the police. The recent clash follows days of protests across the country ahead of the February 7 deadline which Henry had promised to step down by, and on which Haitian presidents are traditionally sworn into office. ALSO READ | Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far Haiti, since Monday, has been witnessing clashes between rival gangs, police and civilian vigilante groups leading to a devastating impact on the local residents who often face indiscriminate killings, rampant sexual violence, lootings, kidnaps for ransom and arson. The police later used tear gas to disperse protesters, who set fire to car tyres. Haiti PM urges calm In his first statement since the violent protests broke out on Monday, Henry urged calm in a brief public address early Thursday (Feb 8). “I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” he said. The incumbent PM also urged Haitians not to look at the government or the country’s national police as their adversaries, adding that those who choose violence to take power are “not working in the interests of the Haitian people.” Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as Haiti’s security issues are resolved. ALSO READ | UN sounds alarm over 'new wave of extreme violence' in Haiti; 600 killed in April Notably, the incumbent PM assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021. In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections. Henry had “not provided any solutions to our problems,” a protester, 40, who declined to give his name told AFP. He added, “The country is being held hostage by gangs. We can’t eat. We can’t send our children to school,” he added. “We can’t take it anymore.” (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti protests: At least five killed in clashes with police, PM breaks silence

Republican politician and US presidential contender Nikki Haley has said India perceives Washington as 'weak', which is one of the reasons why New Delhi&nbsp;has allied&nbsp;with Russia.&nbsp;

Speaking to&nbsp;Fox Business News, the Indian-American presidential aspirant lauded India&nbsp;for 'playing smart' in the current global situation and choosing its allies.&nbsp;

"I have got to say, I have dealt with India too. I have talked with (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. India wants to be a partner with us. They don't want to be a partner with Russia," said Haley.

"The problem is, India doesn't trust us to win. They don't trust us to lead. They see right now that we're weak," she added.

The former South Carolina governor asserted that it was the military cooperation between the two nations that made it easier for New Delhi to pivot towards Moscow.&nbsp;

"India has always played it smart. They have played it smart, and they have stayed close with Russia because that's where they get a lot of their military equipment," she said in response to a question.

Haley, however, added that all of America's friends would return once it starts leading again. She said the US needed to start building&nbsp;alliances as the 'friends' were going out on their own to fend off the Chinese challenge.&nbsp;

"When we start to lead again, when we start to get the weakness out and stop putting our head in the sand, that's when our friends, India, Australia, New Zealand, all of them will -- and Israel, Japan, South Korea -- all of them want to do that. Japan gave themselves a billion-dollar stimulus to become less dependent on China," Haley said.

"India gave themselves a billion-dollar stimulus to become less dependent on China," she added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-nikki-haley-targeted-in-swatting-attacks-685231">Watch | US Elections 2024: Nikki Haley targeted in swatting attacks</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-nikki-haley-targeted-in-swatting-attacks-685231/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Haley's presidential campaign&nbsp;</h2>

Haley, a former UN ambassador,&nbsp;is the only candidate left in the race with ex-president Donald Trump&nbsp;to secure a presidential nomination from the Republican party.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haley-poised-to-win-nevada-republican-primary-but-does-this-victory-hold-weight-687691">Also read |&nbsp;Nevada Primary: Embarrassment for Nikki Haley as 'none of these candidates' wins</a>

So far, she has suffered defeats in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries but has vowed to keep going till the end.

However, Haley had an embarrassment on Wednesday as she was beaten by the&nbsp;“none of these candidates” option in the Nevada Republican presidential primary contest where Trump was missing from the ballot.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Republican politician and US presidential contender Nikki Haley has said India perceives Washington as 'weak', which is one of the reasons why New Delhi has allied with Russia.

Republican politician and US presidential contender Nikki Haley has said India perceives Washington as 'weak', which is one of the reasons why New Delhi has allied with Russia. Speaking to Fox Business News, the Indian-American presidential aspirant lauded India for 'playing smart' in the current global situation and choosing its allies. "I have got to say, I have dealt with India too. I have talked with (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi. India wants to be a partner with us. They don't want to be a partner with Russia," said Haley. "The problem is, India doesn't trust us to win. They don't trust us to lead. They see right now that we're weak," she added. The former South Carolina governor asserted that it was the military cooperation between the two nations that made it easier for New Delhi to pivot towards Moscow. "India has always played it smart. They have played it smart, and they have stayed close with Russia because that's where they get a lot of their military equipment," she said in response to a question. Haley, however, added that all of America's friends would return once it starts leading again. She said the US needed to start building alliances as the 'friends' were going out on their own to fend off the Chinese challenge. "When we start to lead again, when we start to get the weakness out and stop putting our head in the sand, that's when our friends, India, Australia, New Zealand, all of them will -- and Israel, Japan, South Korea -- all of them want to do that. Japan gave themselves a billion-dollar stimulus to become less dependent on China," Haley said. "India gave themselves a billion-dollar stimulus to become less dependent on China," she added. Watch | US Elections 2024: Nikki Haley targeted in swatting attacks Haley's presidential campaign Haley, a former UN ambassador, is the only candidate left in the race with ex-president Donald Trump to secure a presidential nomination from the Republican party. Also read | Nevada Primary: Embarrassment for Nikki Haley as 'none of these candidates' wins So far, she has suffered defeats in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries but has vowed to keep going till the end. However, Haley had an embarrassment on Wednesday as she was beaten by the “none of these candidates” option in the Nevada Republican presidential primary contest where Trump was missing from the ballot. (With inputs from agencies)

India aligned with Russia as it perceives US 'weak' and untrustworthy, says Nikki Haley

A request made by a transgender man for changing his gender in official records without undergoing sterilisation surgery was approved by a court in western Japan.&nbsp;

This is the first such ruling given by a court since the country’s top court removed a surgery requirement for making such&nbsp;changes in the records.

50-year-old Tacaquito Usui can now change his gender to male in his family registry, said the Okayama family court’s Tsuyama branch in its ruling on Wednesday (Feb 7). The original application of Usui for the revision was rejected by the court five years ago.

“It’s like I’m standing at the start line of my new life,” Usui said&nbsp;in a televised press conference after the ruling came out. “I’m so excited," he said.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of Japan in October ruled that a provision of a 20-year-old law which made the reproductive organs' removal a precondition for a new gender's legal recognition was unconstitutional.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-unveil-six-month-residency-visa-for-it-engineers-other-workers-686845">Japan to unveil six-month residency visa for IT engineers, other workers</a>

However, the ruling was also applicable only to the sterilisation provision and did not speak about the constitutionality of needing other procedures.

The Okayama court discovered that Usui was eligible for gender affirmation because of the hormone therapy given to him.

<h2>Transgender man welcomes court's ruling</h2>

Welcoming the recognition, Usui said that he believed the law in Japan may be evolving faster in comparison to public awareness.

In Japan, a lot of LGBTQ+ people have been hiding their gender identities and sexual orientations because of fear of discrimination at work and schools. The country is the only one in the Group of Seven&nbsp;(G7) to not permit same-sex marriage.

Watch:&nbsp;The rise of Japan's 'Silver Porn' market | WION Untangled

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The activists have been demanding greater rights and protections for LGBTQ+ people. However, change has slowly been creeping in a country being led by a conservative government which is reluctant to accept gender, sexual and family diversity and sticks to traditional paternalistic values.&nbsp;

The law, which was addressed in the Supreme Court's ruling, came into effect in 2004.

The court stated that the individuals who wish to register a gender change need to get their reproductive organs, including testes or ovaries, removed.&nbsp;

The individuals also need to have a body that “appears to have parts that resemble the genital organs” of their expressed gender.

(With inputs from agencies)

A request made by a transgender man for changing his gender in official records without undergoing sterilisation surgery was approved by a court in western Japan.

A request made by a transgender man for changing his gender in official records without undergoing sterilisation surgery was approved by a court in western Japan. This is the first such ruling given by a court since the country’s top court removed a surgery requirement for making such changes in the records. 50-year-old Tacaquito Usui can now change his gender to male in his family registry, said the Okayama family court’s Tsuyama branch in its ruling on Wednesday (Feb 7). The original application of Usui for the revision was rejected by the court five years ago. “It’s like I’m standing at the start line of my new life,” Usui said in a televised press conference after the ruling came out. “I’m so excited," he said. The Supreme Court of Japan in October ruled that a provision of a 20-year-old law which made the reproductive organs' removal a precondition for a new gender's legal recognition was unconstitutional. Also read: Japan to unveil six-month residency visa for IT engineers, other workers However, the ruling was also applicable only to the sterilisation provision and did not speak about the constitutionality of needing other procedures. The Okayama court discovered that Usui was eligible for gender affirmation because of the hormone therapy given to him. Transgender man welcomes court's ruling Welcoming the recognition, Usui said that he believed the law in Japan may be evolving faster in comparison to public awareness. In Japan, a lot of LGBTQ+ people have been hiding their gender identities and sexual orientations because of fear of discrimination at work and schools. The country is the only one in the Group of Seven (G7) to not permit same-sex marriage. Watch: The rise of Japan's 'Silver Porn' market | WION Untangled The activists have been demanding greater rights and protections for LGBTQ+ people. However, change has slowly been creeping in a country being led by a conservative government which is reluctant to accept gender, sexual and family diversity and sticks to traditional paternalistic values. The law, which was addressed in the Supreme Court's ruling, came into effect in 2004. The court stated that the individuals who wish to register a gender change need to get their reproductive organs, including testes or ovaries, removed. The individuals also need to have a body that “appears to have parts that resemble the genital organs” of their expressed gender. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan allows transgender man to change official status without undergoing sterilisation in historic move

With seven of its nine judges voting in favor, the country's Constitutional Court opened the door for doctors to help an untreatable patient die without going to jail.

The penalty for homicide "cannot be applied to a doctorwho performs an active euthanasia procedure in order to preserve the rights to a dignified life," the court ruling said.

The lawsuit was brought in August by Paola Roldan, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

In her complaint, Roldan contested an article of the Ecuadorian penal code, which considers the procedure a homicide carrying a sentence of between 10 and 13 years in prison.

"I want to rest in peace. What I experience is painful, lonely and cruel," Roldan, who is bedridden, told a court hearing in November via video link.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/right-to-ignore-australia-to-allow-workers-to-shun-calls-texts-from-bosses-after-work-hours-688095">'Right to ignore': Australia to allow workers to shun calls, texts from bosses after work hours</a>

"This is not a fight to die. I know I'm dying, it's a fight on how to do it," she said in a broken voice, an oxygen tube attached to her nose.

<h2>'Free and informed decisions'&nbsp;</h2>

Ecuador followed in the footsteps of Colombia, which decriminalised euthanasia in 1997.

Lawmakers in Uruguay and Chile are currently debating the issue, while Mexico has a so-called "good death" law, which lets the patient or their family opt out of life support.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-gets-ridiculed-as-he-struggles-to-recall-hamas-name-during-speech-688065">Joe Biden gets ridiculed as he struggles to recall Hamas' name during speech</a>

After studying Roldan's arguments, the court in this traditionally conservative, majority-Catholic nation ruled that "it would be unreasonable to impose an obligation to stay alive on someone who is going through this situation."

"Every human being can make free and informed decisions when their personal development is affected, which... includes the option of ending the intense suffering caused by a serious and irreversible bodily injury or a serious and incurable illness," it said.

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The court tasked the Health Ministry with drafting regulations for the procedure within two months. For its part, the Ombudsman's office would have to draft a bill on euthanasia within six months to be approved by Congress within a year.
</section>

But Roldan's lawyer Farith Simon on Wednesday insisted in a post on X, formerly, that "the sentence is immediately enforceable."

Writing on social media Friday, when she learned that her case before the high court was in the final stage, Roldan said: "Several times I thought that I would not be able to see the fruits of this lawsuit, like someone who plants a tree so that someone else can sit under its shadow."

 
&nbsp;

With seven of its nine judges voting in favor, the country's Constitutional Court opened the door for doctors to help an untreatable patient die without going to jail.

With seven of its nine judges voting in favor, the country's Constitutional Court opened the door for doctors to help an untreatable patient die without going to jail. The penalty for homicide "cannot be applied to a doctorwho performs an active euthanasia procedure in order to preserve the rights to a dignified life," the court ruling said. The lawsuit was brought in August by Paola Roldan, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In her complaint, Roldan contested an article of the Ecuadorian penal code, which considers the procedure a homicide carrying a sentence of between 10 and 13 years in prison. "I want to rest in peace. What I experience is painful, lonely and cruel," Roldan, who is bedridden, told a court hearing in November via video link. Also Read | 'Right to ignore': Australia to allow workers to shun calls, texts from bosses after work hours "This is not a fight to die. I know I'm dying, it's a fight on how to do it," she said in a broken voice, an oxygen tube attached to her nose. 'Free and informed decisions' Ecuador followed in the footsteps of Colombia, which decriminalised euthanasia in 1997. Lawmakers in Uruguay and Chile are currently debating the issue, while Mexico has a so-called "good death" law, which lets the patient or their family opt out of life support. Also Read | Joe Biden gets ridiculed as he struggles to recall Hamas' name during speech After studying Roldan's arguments, the court in this traditionally conservative, majority-Catholic nation ruled that "it would be unreasonable to impose an obligation to stay alive on someone who is going through this situation." "Every human being can make free and informed decisions when their personal development is affected, which... includes the option of ending the intense suffering caused by a serious and irreversible bodily injury or a serious and incurable illness," it said. Watch | China opens Antarctic station south of Australia, New Zealand × The court tasked the Health Ministry with drafting regulations for the procedure within two months. For its part, the Ombudsman's office would have to draft a bill on euthanasia within six months to be approved by Congress within a year. But Roldan's lawyer Farith Simon on Wednesday insisted in a post on X, formerly, that "the sentence is immediately enforceable." Writing on social media Friday, when she learned that her case before the high court was in the final stage, Roldan said: "Several times I thought that I would not be able to see the fruits of this lawsuit, like someone who plants a tree so that someone else can sit under its shadow."

Ecuador's top court decriminalises euthanasia following lawsuit by terminally ill patient

Polls opened in Pakistan’s general election at 8 a.m. (0300GMT) on Thursday (February 8) morning, as authorities temporarily suspended mobile phone services to strengthen security.

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In response to public outrage sparked by a previous law mandating the disposal of soldiers' reproductive material, Ukrainian legislators have approved amendments allowing for the utilisation of frozen sperm from deceased soldiers.

As casualties continue to rise among Ukrainian troops engaged in a protracted conflict with Russia, concerns over the nation's fertility policies have gained prominence.

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has endorsed a set of legislative changes aimed at facilitating the posthumous use of reproductive material from fallen soldiers.

Initially, a law passed in December dictated state-funded storage of soldiers' sperm and eggs starting in 2025. However, public outcry ensued following revelations that the law also mandated the disposal of samples from deceased donors.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Will Avdiivka fall to Russia? What will Russia gain?

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<h2>Addressing backlash</h2>

In response to widespread criticism, lawmakers, in collaboration with the health ministry, pledged to amend the law prior to its enactment.

The recent amendments, supported by 264 MPs, not only authorise the use of soldiers' frozen reproductive material by their partners but also guarantee free storage for three years following the donor's demise, with the option for paid storage thereafter.

Proponents of the amendments argue that preserving soldiers' genetic material is imperative amidst ongoing military conflicts with Russia. They underscore the importance of safeguarding the Ukrainian gene pool amidst external aggression.

Medical legal experts contend that additional adjustments are required to fully implement the law. Currently, Ukrainian legislation does not recognise powers of attorney regarding reproductive material after the signatory's death, nor does it confer legal inheritance rights to children conceived posthumously.

The approved amendments call for revisions to the Civil Code and Family Code within three months to rectify these legal deficiencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskyy-says-two-killed-in-kyiv-after-massive-russian-missiles-drone-attacks-687865">Also read |&nbsp;Zelensky says two killed in Kyiv after massive missiles, drone attacks by Russia</a>

Furthermore, the amendments advocate for soldiers to have the autonomy to determine the fate of their reproductive material in the event of their death. They also call for soldiers to be legally acknowledged as the parents of any offspring resulting from posthumous conception.

The discourse in Ukraine mirrors similar debates in other nations, such as Israel, where posthumous extraction of sperm from deceased soldiers is permissible. By aligning with international practices, Ukraine aims to address pressing ethical and legal issues surrounding reproductive rights in times of conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

In response to public outrage sparked by a previous law mandating the disposal of soldiers' reproductive material, Ukrainian legislators have approved amendments allowing for the utilisation of frozen sperm from deceased soldiers.

In response to public outrage sparked by a previous law mandating the disposal of soldiers' reproductive material, Ukrainian legislators have approved amendments allowing for the utilisation of frozen sperm from deceased soldiers. As casualties continue to rise among Ukrainian troops engaged in a protracted conflict with Russia, concerns over the nation's fertility policies have gained prominence. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has endorsed a set of legislative changes aimed at facilitating the posthumous use of reproductive material from fallen soldiers. Initially, a law passed in December dictated state-funded storage of soldiers' sperm and eggs starting in 2025. However, public outcry ensued following revelations that the law also mandated the disposal of samples from deceased donors. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Will Avdiivka fall to Russia? What will Russia gain? Addressing backlash In response to widespread criticism, lawmakers, in collaboration with the health ministry, pledged to amend the law prior to its enactment. The recent amendments, supported by 264 MPs, not only authorise the use of soldiers' frozen reproductive material by their partners but also guarantee free storage for three years following the donor's demise, with the option for paid storage thereafter. Proponents of the amendments argue that preserving soldiers' genetic material is imperative amidst ongoing military conflicts with Russia. They underscore the importance of safeguarding the Ukrainian gene pool amidst external aggression. Medical legal experts contend that additional adjustments are required to fully implement the law. Currently, Ukrainian legislation does not recognise powers of attorney regarding reproductive material after the signatory's death, nor does it confer legal inheritance rights to children conceived posthumously. The approved amendments call for revisions to the Civil Code and Family Code within three months to rectify these legal deficiencies. Also read | Zelensky says two killed in Kyiv after massive missiles, drone attacks by Russia Furthermore, the amendments advocate for soldiers to have the autonomy to determine the fate of their reproductive material in the event of their death. They also call for soldiers to be legally acknowledged as the parents of any offspring resulting from posthumous conception. The discourse in Ukraine mirrors similar debates in other nations, such as Israel, where posthumous extraction of sperm from deceased soldiers is permissible. By aligning with international practices, Ukraine aims to address pressing ethical and legal issues surrounding reproductive rights in times of conflict. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine MPs approve use of dead soldiers' sperm in landmark vote

Political personalities who are detained, including former prime minister Imran Khan, have cast their ballots via postal ballot from Adiala Jail. But Bushra Bibi, Mr. Khan's wife, was not allowed to vote since, following the postal voting process, she was found guilty and taken into custody.

Pakistan Elections 2024: Imran Khan casts his vote from Adiala jail, wife Bushra misses out

At least two police officers sustained bullet wounds while responding to a shooting incident at a residence in East Lansdowne in the US state of Pennsylvania on Wednesday (Feb 7).

At least two police officers sustained bullet wounds while responding to a shooting incident at a residence in East Lansdowne in the US state of Pennsylvania on Wednesday (Feb 7). The officers were responding to a call that an 11-year-old girl had been shot inside the home. Live footage of the scene showed the house engulfed in flames that was spreading rapidly. Meanwhile, the officers who were met with gunfire were reported to be conscious. They were being transported to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, according to local reports. Notably, the firefighting efforts were severely hampered due to safety concerns as the shooter and the girl were believed to still be inside the burning house. The emergency personnel as well as the SWAT teams arrived at the spot and whisked the neighbours out of harm's way. Watch | Gun Epidemic: US records most number of mass shooting deaths × Witness account As for the injured officers, a witness said the shooter sprayed indiscriminate rounds of bullets when they arrived on the scene. "I was there, a cop came flying around the corner. He got out and then he's in front of the house talking to two people. And then all of a sudden I heard six or seven gunshots. Cops got down on the ground and I ran and took off," Sharon Johnson, a crossing guard and witness told NBC10. Also read | Who is Jennifer Crumbley? First US parent to be convicted of manslaughter for her child's mass shooting crime The other Upper Darby police officers managed to drag their injured colleagues out of harm's way even as the gunman continued to fire. "It was because of the Upper Darby Police Department who also responded to that call that these officers are alive today. They were dragged out of danger by Upper Darby police officers," said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 2 police officers wounded in shooting at Pennsylvania home engulfed in fire

Pakistan general elections 2024: Mobile phone services suspended across Pakistan as voting begins

The five US Marines aboard a helicopter that went missing on a trip from Nevada to California were confirmed dead on Thursday. The helicopter was on a training flight when it went missing Tuesday night.

5 missing US Marines confirmed dead following helicopter crash

Polls opened at 8am (03:00 GMT) and will close at 5pm (12:00 GMT). Polling may be extended in some areas as per election commission’s rules.

Pakistan elections 2024: Will Bilawal Bhutto's outside bid succeed?

Republicans in the US Senate, on Wednesday (Feb 7) rejected the $118 billion bipartisan bill which combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The bill failed to garner the minimum 60 votes needed for it to move forward in the US Senate and was defeated by a vote of 49-50, largely along party lines.&nbsp;

This comes as the Senate Republicans were expected to block the bill amid opposition and pressure from former US President Donald Trump and members of their own party in the House of Representatives.

The vote took place on the $118 billion bill, which includes aid for both Israel and Ukraine but is also tied to strict US immigration curbs demanded by the Republicans.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/show-some-spine-biden-calls-out-republicans-over-ukraine-aid-bill-blames-trump-687666">‘Show some spine’: Biden calls out Republicans over Ukraine aid bill, blames Trump</a>

However, many Republicans promptly rejected the package when it was released on Sunday (Feb 4) even though it included some of their demands.&nbsp;

The rejection reportedly came after Trump ramped up pressure on Republican lawmakers to reject any compromise on the package as he campaigns to defeat Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election.&nbsp;

“Some have been very clear with me they have political differences with the bill,” said Republican Senator James Lankford, one of the negotiators of the bill. He added, “They say it’s the wrong time to solve the problem, let the presidential election solve the problem.”

Meanwhile, an independent senator from the US state of Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema, one of the authors of the deal, said she was baffled by the sudden shift. She told the chamber that the Republican abandonment of efforts to pass immigration reform was “shameful”.&nbsp;

<h2>What now?</h2>

The Senate is now looking to vote on a $96 billion package that excludes the immigration provisions but keeps foreign aid intact.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stands-in-way-of-118bn-immigration-ukraine-and-israel-package-deal-passed-by-senate-687347">Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate</a>

This comes after the Senate Majority Leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer said that they would hold another procedural vote later on Wednesday on the watered-down version of the foreign aid package, which includes funds for Ukraine and Israel but not for border security.

The $95.34 billion spending bill includes security assistance for Ukraine ($60.06 billion) and Israel ($14.1 billion), international humanitarian aid ($9.15 billion) and resources to help allies in the Indo-Pacific ($4.83 billion), including Taiwan.&nbsp;

The bill would also allocate $2.44 billion to the Pentagon for operations around the Red Sea, where the US forces have sought to stop attacks on shipping by the Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Republicans in the US Senate, on Wednesday (Feb 7) rejected the $118 billion bipartisan bill which combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel.

Republicans in the US Senate, on Wednesday (Feb 7) rejected the $118 billion bipartisan bill which combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel. What happened? The bill failed to garner the minimum 60 votes needed for it to move forward in the US Senate and was defeated by a vote of 49-50, largely along party lines. This comes as the Senate Republicans were expected to block the bill amid opposition and pressure from former US President Donald Trump and members of their own party in the House of Representatives. The vote took place on the $118 billion bill, which includes aid for both Israel and Ukraine but is also tied to strict US immigration curbs demanded by the Republicans. ALSO READ | ‘Show some spine’: Biden calls out Republicans over Ukraine aid bill, blames Trump However, many Republicans promptly rejected the package when it was released on Sunday (Feb 4) even though it included some of their demands. The rejection reportedly came after Trump ramped up pressure on Republican lawmakers to reject any compromise on the package as he campaigns to defeat Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election. “Some have been very clear with me they have political differences with the bill,” said Republican Senator James Lankford, one of the negotiators of the bill. He added, “They say it’s the wrong time to solve the problem, let the presidential election solve the problem.” Meanwhile, an independent senator from the US state of Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema, one of the authors of the deal, said she was baffled by the sudden shift. She told the chamber that the Republican abandonment of efforts to pass immigration reform was “shameful”. What now? The Senate is now looking to vote on a $96 billion package that excludes the immigration provisions but keeps foreign aid intact. ALSO READ | Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate This comes after the Senate Majority Leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer said that they would hold another procedural vote later on Wednesday on the watered-down version of the foreign aid package, which includes funds for Ukraine and Israel but not for border security. The $95.34 billion spending bill includes security assistance for Ukraine ($60.06 billion) and Israel ($14.1 billion), international humanitarian aid ($9.15 billion) and resources to help allies in the Indo-Pacific ($4.83 billion), including Taiwan. The bill would also allocate $2.44 billion to the Pentagon for operations around the Red Sea, where the US forces have sought to stop attacks on shipping by the Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels. (With inputs from agencies)

Republicans in US Senate block Bipartisan bill on immigration, aid for Israel and Ukraine

Israel's reported ongoing destruction of all buildings along the border inside Gaza with the aim of creating a "buffer zone" is a war crime, the United Nations rights chief warned on Thursday.

In a statement, Volker Turk pointed to reports that the Israeli military is working inside the Gaza Strip to destroy all buildings within a kilometre of the border fence with Israel with the objective of creating a "buffer zone".

"I stress to the Israeli authorities that Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits destruction by the occupying power of property belonging to private persons, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations'," he said.

Turk warned that the objective of creating a buffer zone for general security purposes did "not appear consistent with the narrow 'military operations' exception set out in international humanitarian law".

Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects Hamas' offer of ceasefire

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He added that such "extensive destruction of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly, amounts to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and a war crime".

The war in Gaza followed Hamas's attack in Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and launched relentless air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,840 people, mostly women, adolescents and children, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

<h2>'May constitute war crime'</h2>

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that since October his office had recorded "widespread destruction and demolition by the (Israeli military) of civilian and other infrastructure".

This included "residential buildings, schools and universities in areas in which fighting is not or no longer taking place", he said.

He said such demolitions had also been seen in Beit Hanoun and Gaza City in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, and the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, while numerous residential buildings had reportedly been demolished in Khan Younis in the south in recent weeks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-orders-troops-to-prepare-to-enter-into-rafah-688179">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu orders troops to prepare to enter Rafah</a>

"Israel has not provided cogent reasons for such extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure," Turk said.

"Such destruction of homes and other essential civilian infrastructure also entrenches the displacement of communities that were living in these areas prior to the escalation in hostilities," he warned.

In fact, he said, they appeared "to be aimed at or (to have) the effect of rendering the return of civilians to these areas impossible".

"I remind the authorities that forcible transfer of civilians may constitute a war crime."

Israel's reported ongoing destruction of all buildings along the border inside Gaza with the aim of creating a "buffer zone" is a war crime, the United Nations rights chief warned on Thursday.

Israel's reported ongoing destruction of all buildings along the border inside Gaza with the aim of creating a "buffer zone" is a war crime, the United Nations rights chief warned on Thursday. In a statement, Volker Turk pointed to reports that the Israeli military is working inside the Gaza Strip to destroy all buildings within a kilometre of the border fence with Israel with the objective of creating a "buffer zone". "I stress to the Israeli authorities that Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits destruction by the occupying power of property belonging to private persons, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations'," he said. Turk warned that the objective of creating a buffer zone for general security purposes did "not appear consistent with the narrow 'military operations' exception set out in international humanitarian law". Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects Hamas' offer of ceasefire × He added that such "extensive destruction of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly, amounts to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and a war crime". The war in Gaza followed Hamas's attack in Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and launched relentless air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,840 people, mostly women, adolescents and children, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. 'May constitute war crime' The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that since October his office had recorded "widespread destruction and demolition by the (Israeli military) of civilian and other infrastructure". This included "residential buildings, schools and universities in areas in which fighting is not or no longer taking place", he said. He said such demolitions had also been seen in Beit Hanoun and Gaza City in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, and the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, while numerous residential buildings had reportedly been demolished in Khan Younis in the south in recent weeks. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu orders troops to prepare to enter Rafah "Israel has not provided cogent reasons for such extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure," Turk said. "Such destruction of homes and other essential civilian infrastructure also entrenches the displacement of communities that were living in these areas prior to the escalation in hostilities," he warned. In fact, he said, they appeared "to be aimed at or (to have) the effect of rendering the return of civilians to these areas impossible". "I remind the authorities that forcible transfer of civilians may constitute a war crime."

Israeli destruction to make Gaza 'buffer zone' a 'war crime': UN

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, (Feb 7&nbsp;) took&nbsp;a jibe at Labour Party leader Keir Starmer for his&nbsp;stance on gender identity. Sunak joked that the leader of the opposition party could not define what a woman was, as&nbsp;the mother of a murdered transgender attended parliament's&nbsp;question-and-answer session.

Last week, two teenagers were jailed for the murder of Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife.

In an exchange with Labour leader Keir Starmer, who had said Ghey's mother was watching, Sunak said "defining a woman" was on the&nbsp;list of Starmer's broken promises, joking&nbsp;it had been "only 99 per cent of a U-turn".

Sunak&nbsp;said "a man is a man and a woman is a woman" and&nbsp;criticised Starmer, saying he "still does not know what a woman is".

In reply, Starmer said,&nbsp;"Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna's mother is in this chamber. Shame. Parading as a man of integrity when he's got absolutely no responsibility."

Wednesday's jibe appeared to be in reference to a comment from Starmer, when questioned about his views on transgender issues last April, that 99.9 per cent of women "of course haven't got a penis".

Sunak's press secretary said the prime minister had been listing Labour's U-turns and to do so was "totally legitimate". She said she did not accept that it was a transphobic remark.

While a Labour spokeswoman told reporters: "We think the comments from him are deeply offensive to trans people and he should reflect on his response ... and apologise." Ghey's mother was due to meet Starmer after the session.

Sunak did not address Starmer's comment and did not respond to calls from other lawmakers to apologise.

Sky News reported on Wednesday night that the father of the murdered teenager, Peter Spooner, said he was shocked by the prime minister's comments and felt he "should apologise for his remarks".

At the end of the session, Sunak did pay tribute to Ghey's mother, saying: "What happened was an unspeakable and shocking tragedy...

"In the face of that, for her mother to demonstrate the compassion and empathy that she did last weekend, I thought demonstrated the very best of humanity in the face of seeing the very worst of humanity, and she deserves all our admiration and praise for that," said Sunak.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, (Feb 7 ) took a jibe at Labour Party leader Keir Starmer for his stance on gender identity. Sunak joked that the leader of the opposition party could not define what a woman was, as the mother of a murdered transgender attended parliament's question-and-answer session.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, (Feb 7 ) took a jibe at Labour Party leader Keir Starmer for his stance on gender identity. Sunak joked that the leader of the opposition party could not define what a woman was, as the mother of a murdered transgender attended parliament's question-and-answer session. Last week, two teenagers were jailed for the murder of Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife. In an exchange with Labour leader Keir Starmer, who had said Ghey's mother was watching, Sunak said "defining a woman" was on the list of Starmer's broken promises, joking it had been "only 99 per cent of a U-turn". Sunak said "a man is a man and a woman is a woman" and criticised Starmer, saying he "still does not know what a woman is". In reply, Starmer said, "Of all the weeks to say that, when Brianna's mother is in this chamber. Shame. Parading as a man of integrity when he's got absolutely no responsibility." Wednesday's jibe appeared to be in reference to a comment from Starmer, when questioned about his views on transgender issues last April, that 99.9 per cent of women "of course haven't got a penis". Sunak's press secretary said the prime minister had been listing Labour's U-turns and to do so was "totally legitimate". She said she did not accept that it was a transphobic remark. While a Labour spokeswoman told reporters: "We think the comments from him are deeply offensive to trans people and he should reflect on his response ... and apologise." Ghey's mother was due to meet Starmer after the session. Sunak did not address Starmer's comment and did not respond to calls from other lawmakers to apologise. Sky News reported on Wednesday night that the father of the murdered teenager, Peter Spooner, said he was shocked by the prime minister's comments and felt he "should apologise for his remarks". At the end of the session, Sunak did pay tribute to Ghey's mother, saying: "What happened was an unspeakable and shocking tragedy... "In the face of that, for her mother to demonstrate the compassion and empathy that she did last weekend, I thought demonstrated the very best of humanity in the face of seeing the very worst of humanity, and she deserves all our admiration and praise for that," said Sunak.

Sunak makes controversial transgender remark in Commons amid visit by murdered teen's mother

China on Wednesday inaugurated its Ross Sea scientific research station, the official Xinhua news agency reported, starting operations in an outpost in a part of the Antarctic due south of Australia and New Zealand for the first time.

China opens Antarctic station south of Australia, New Zealand

A senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah – an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq that the Pentagon linked to the fatal attack that killed three American troops in Jordan – was killed&nbsp;in a drone strike on a vehicle in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday (Feb 7) night,&nbsp;the US military said.

<h2>What we know about the strike</h2>

The American "forces conducted a unilateral strike in Iraq in response to the attacks on US&nbsp;service members, killing a Kataib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on US&nbsp;forces in the region," a statement by the US military's&nbsp;Central Command said on social media.

It added, "There are no indications of collateral damage or civilian casualties at this time."

A report by the Associated Press citing militia officials said the drone strike hit a car in the Iraqi capital and killed three members of the Kataib Hezbollah group, including a high-ranking commander.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US' presence disrupts the security of West Asia, says Iran's Raisi

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The senior commander killed was Abu Baqir al-Saadi, said a report by&nbsp;Reuters citing two sources. One of the sources told the news agency that three people were killed and that the vehicle targeted was used by Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).&nbsp;

The PMF is a state security agency composed of dozens of armed groups, many of them close to Iran and also reportedly includes fighters and commanders from Kataib Hezbollah.&nbsp;

A report by AFP citing a security source reported the deaths of two officials of the Iran-backed militia which had previously taken part in attacks on US forces in Iraq.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-matter-of-months-netanyahu-says-about-israels-victory-amid-war-in-gaza-687991">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’</a>

As per AP, one of those killed was Wissam Mohammed “Abu Bakr” al-Saadi, the commander in charge of Kataib Hezbollah’s operations in Syria.&nbsp;

<h2>Three American troops killed in Jordan</h2>

The strike in Iraq comes days after the US military launched air strikes on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria which they said are being used by Iran-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.&nbsp;

The strikes are being conducted in response to the drone strike on a base in Jordan which killed three US soldiers last month.&nbsp;

The US and allied troops have been attacked more than 165 times in the Middle East since mid-October amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-houthi-rebels-target-two-more-vessels-in-red-sea-including-one-carrying-coal-to-india-687759">Middle East crisis: Houthi rebels target two more vessels in Red Sea, including one carrying coal to India</a>

According to reports, the attacks on US forces are a campaign waged by Iran-backed armed groups in the region who are angered by Washington’s support for Israel amid the ongoing war.

After the fatal drone strike on US forces in January, the Pentagon said that the attack bore the “footprints” of Kataib Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group then announced it was suspending military operations against American military personnel in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah – an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq that the Pentagon linked to the fatal attack that killed three American troops in Jordan – was killed in a drone strike on a vehicle in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday (Feb 7) night, the US military said.

A senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah – an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq that the Pentagon linked to the fatal attack that killed three American troops in Jordan – was killed in a drone strike on a vehicle in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday (Feb 7) night, the US military said. What we know about the strike The American "forces conducted a unilateral strike in Iraq in response to the attacks on US service members, killing a Kataib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on US forces in the region," a statement by the US military's Central Command said on social media. It added, "There are no indications of collateral damage or civilian casualties at this time." A report by the Associated Press citing militia officials said the drone strike hit a car in the Iraqi capital and killed three members of the Kataib Hezbollah group, including a high-ranking commander. WATCH | US' presence disrupts the security of West Asia, says Iran's Raisi The senior commander killed was Abu Baqir al-Saadi, said a report by Reuters citing two sources. One of the sources told the news agency that three people were killed and that the vehicle targeted was used by Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The PMF is a state security agency composed of dozens of armed groups, many of them close to Iran and also reportedly includes fighters and commanders from Kataib Hezbollah. A report by AFP citing a security source reported the deaths of two officials of the Iran-backed militia which had previously taken part in attacks on US forces in Iraq. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’ As per AP, one of those killed was Wissam Mohammed “Abu Bakr” al-Saadi, the commander in charge of Kataib Hezbollah’s operations in Syria. Three American troops killed in Jordan The strike in Iraq comes days after the US military launched air strikes on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria which they said are being used by Iran-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The strikes are being conducted in response to the drone strike on a base in Jordan which killed three US soldiers last month. The US and allied troops have been attacked more than 165 times in the Middle East since mid-October amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. ALSO READ | Middle East crisis: Houthi rebels target two more vessels in Red Sea, including one carrying coal to India According to reports, the attacks on US forces are a campaign waged by Iran-backed armed groups in the region who are angered by Washington’s support for Israel amid the ongoing war. After the fatal drone strike on US forces in January, the Pentagon said that the attack bore the “footprints” of Kataib Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group then announced it was suspending military operations against American military personnel in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

US drone strike in Iraqi capital kills leader of Iran-linked militia

A United States military helicopter with five US Marines on board that went missing late on Tuesday (February 6) has been found, said the US officials, but the&nbsp;fate of the personnel is still unclear.

The Marine Corps said that the helicopter failed to arrive in California as scheduled. It was travelling from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in southern California. The Marine Corps said in its statement that "the aircraft was reported overdue" indicating that it had&nbsp;gone missing.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing coordinated search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the Civil Air Patrol.

The exact fate of the US military personnel on board&nbsp;is still unknown and a search effort has been launched. There have been a number of accidents involving US military aircraft in the past year. In November, a V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan. Eight airmen were left dead in the accident. Another Osprey aircraft crashed in August in Australia killing three Marines.

Watch | Houthis launch multiple anti-ship ballistic missile attacks in Red Sea &amp; Gulf of Aden

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In a separate incident, three military personnel were killed in a collision of two helicopters that were returning from Alaska. The accident took place in April last year.

Reports in US media said that the San Diego County Sheriff's Department was informed of the situation at 1 am (local time). The helicopter was due to land in San Diego.

The helicopter has gone missing in the Pine Valley area. It is about 44 miles from San Diego.

The Sheriff's Department has launched a search and rescue mission along with the Marine and Civil Air Patrol teams which specialise in mountain searches

“The weather is so bad out there with snow and low cloud coverage that we could not get helicopters out there,” said Lt &nbsp;Matthew Carpenter, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gaza-war-blinken-reviewing-hamas-over-the-top-response-to-proposed-gaza-deal-687674">Israel-Gaza war: Biden terms Hamas' response to proposed truce deal ‘a little over the top’</a>

The missing helicopter is a CH-53E Super Stallion. It is used to carry heavy cargo and personnel.

(With inputs from agencies)

A United States military helicopter with five US Marines on board that went missing late on Tuesday (February 6) has been found, said the US officials, but the fate of the personnel is still unclear.

A United States military helicopter with five US Marines on board that went missing late on Tuesday (February 6) has been found, said the US officials, but the fate of the personnel is still unclear. The Marine Corps said that the helicopter failed to arrive in California as scheduled. It was travelling from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in southern California. The Marine Corps said in its statement that "the aircraft was reported overdue" indicating that it had gone missing. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing coordinated search and rescue efforts with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the Civil Air Patrol. The exact fate of the US military personnel on board is still unknown and a search effort has been launched. There have been a number of accidents involving US military aircraft in the past year. In November, a V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan. Eight airmen were left dead in the accident. Another Osprey aircraft crashed in August in Australia killing three Marines. Watch | Houthis launch multiple anti-ship ballistic missile attacks in Red Sea & Gulf of Aden × In a separate incident, three military personnel were killed in a collision of two helicopters that were returning from Alaska. The accident took place in April last year. Reports in US media said that the San Diego County Sheriff's Department was informed of the situation at 1 am (local time). The helicopter was due to land in San Diego. The helicopter has gone missing in the Pine Valley area. It is about 44 miles from San Diego. The Sheriff's Department has launched a search and rescue mission along with the Marine and Civil Air Patrol teams which specialise in mountain searches “The weather is so bad out there with snow and low cloud coverage that we could not get helicopters out there,” said Lt Matthew Carpenter, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department. Also Read | Israel-Gaza war: Biden terms Hamas' response to proposed truce deal ‘a little over the top’ The missing helicopter is a CH-53E Super Stallion. It is used to carry heavy cargo and personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

Missing US military chopper found, fate of five Marines on board unknown

A US military helicopter that vanished has been found in a mountainous area – but without the five Marines it was carrying.

Missing US military helicopter found without the five Marines on board

An American air strike in Iraq on Wednesday killed a senior commander from a pro-Iran armed group who was involved in attacks on Washington's troops in the region, the US military said.

US says it killed pro-Iran commander in Iraq strike

The IDF uncovers a significant Hamas tunnel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, that was once utilized by senior terrorists before being transformed into a facility for harboring hostages. The IDF claims that the "strategic" underground network was around a kilometer long. Troops from the 98th Division's elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, along with other special forces, raided it.

Israel-hamas war: IDF reveals tunnel in Khan Younis used by top Hamas brass

The Justice Department announced on Wednesday the arrest of Chenguang Gong, a Chinese-born US researcher residing in San Jose, California, on charges of stealing trade secrets, including technology crucial for detecting nuclear missile launches.

Chinese-born US researcher arrested in California for theft of trade secret

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected Hamas' latest offer for a ceasefire and return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there was still room for negotiation toward an agreement.

Israel-hamas war: Netanyahu calls Hamas ceasefire proposal 'delusional'

Boris Nadezhdin, pro-peace politician, lost his unexpected attempt to unseat President Vladimir Putin from the Kremlin on Thursday when the election board in Russia barred him from running in the presidential election scheduled next month.

Putin, who has ruled for more than 20 years, either as president or prime minister, is expected to win another&nbsp;six-year term in the election to be held&nbsp; rom March 15–17. All significant opposition figures are currently prohibited from participating.

Just three other candidates all from ceremonial opposition parties that are backed by the Kremlin will take part.

Russia's Central Election Commission announced at a hearing in Moscow on Thursday that it had decided not to&nbsp;register Boris Nadezhdin as a candidate in the presidential election.

Nadezhdin strongly denounced the widely anticipated ruling and vowed to appeal to the Russian Supreme Court.

Amidst the exile or imprisonment of prominent opposition activists, he pledged to persist in his struggle against Putin. "Sooner or later I will be president of the Russian Federation," he said at a press conference.

Over 9,000 of the 105,000 signatures that Nadezhdin received endorsing his candidacy had errors, going above the allowed five percent error rate, according to election officials.

According to Nadezhdin's team, the commission allegedly discovered little typos in the handwritten submissions that were entered into its computers.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokeswoman, stated on Thursday that the electoral commission complies with the regulations established for candidates.

At the commission hearing in central Moscow, Nadezhdin said, "Tens of millions of people were going to vote for me." He claimed to be running in second place, behind Putin.

He was supported by the often divided opposition in Russia, which ranged from exiled former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky to jailed opponent of the Kremlin Alexei Navalny, arguing that backing Nadezhdin was a legitimate and secure way to express disapproval of the Kremlin.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/independent-putin-is-seeking-russian-presidency-again-heres-what-it-means-670352" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/independent-putin-is-seeking-russian-presidency-again-heres-what-it-means-670352&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9o4Go2puEAxWaRmwGHdKMCmsQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2pGkcG5ibHLsL5YcjT_suO" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/independent-putin-is-seeking-russian-presidency-again-heres-what-it-means-670352" target="_blank">'Independent' Putin is seeking Russian presidency again</a>

Russia has increased its already severe restrictions against public criticism and imprisoned numerous people for speaking out against its engagement since launching soldiers into Ukraine in February 2022. 
Putin, 71, has led Russia as either president or prime minister since the final day of 1999.

Since taking office, Putin has suppressed all significant domestic opponents by imprisoning or expelling them, outlawing protests, outlawing independent media, and restricting civic and political liberties.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch:&nbsp;Russia: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-putins-opponent-nadezhdin-backs-ending-ukraine-war-race-to-power-683307">Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war</a>

Boris Nadezhdin, pro-peace politician, lost his unexpected attempt to unseat President Vladimir Putin from the Kremlin on Thursday when the election board in Russia barred him from running in the presidential election scheduled next month.

Boris Nadezhdin, pro-peace politician, lost his unexpected attempt to unseat President Vladimir Putin from the Kremlin on Thursday when the election board in Russia barred him from running in the presidential election scheduled next month. Putin, who has ruled for more than 20 years, either as president or prime minister, is expected to win another six-year term in the election to be held rom March 15–17. All significant opposition figures are currently prohibited from participating. Just three other candidates all from ceremonial opposition parties that are backed by the Kremlin will take part. Russia's Central Election Commission announced at a hearing in Moscow on Thursday that it had decided not to register Boris Nadezhdin as a candidate in the presidential election. Nadezhdin strongly denounced the widely anticipated ruling and vowed to appeal to the Russian Supreme Court. Amidst the exile or imprisonment of prominent opposition activists, he pledged to persist in his struggle against Putin. "Sooner or later I will be president of the Russian Federation," he said at a press conference. Over 9,000 of the 105,000 signatures that Nadezhdin received endorsing his candidacy had errors, going above the allowed five percent error rate, according to election officials. According to Nadezhdin's team, the commission allegedly discovered little typos in the handwritten submissions that were entered into its computers. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokeswoman, stated on Thursday that the electoral commission complies with the regulations established for candidates. At the commission hearing in central Moscow, Nadezhdin said, "Tens of millions of people were going to vote for me." He claimed to be running in second place, behind Putin. He was supported by the often divided opposition in Russia, which ranged from exiled former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky to jailed opponent of the Kremlin Alexei Navalny, arguing that backing Nadezhdin was a legitimate and secure way to express disapproval of the Kremlin. Also Read: 'Independent' Putin is seeking Russian presidency again Russia has increased its already severe restrictions against public criticism and imprisoned numerous people for speaking out against its engagement since launching soldiers into Ukraine in February 2022. Putin, 71, has led Russia as either president or prime minister since the final day of 1999. Since taking office, Putin has suppressed all significant domestic opponents by imprisoning or expelling them, outlawing protests, outlawing independent media, and restricting civic and political liberties. (With inputs from agencies) Watch: Russia: Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war

Russia blocks anti-Putin campaigner Boris Nadezhdin from presidential election

US drone strike kills Kataib Hezbollah commander

Moscow was hit by a heavy blizzard on Wednesday (February 7) with the thickness of the snow blanket expected to break quarter of century record the next day, according to forecasts. The traffic situation remains complicated due to limited visibility.

Cyclone Olga brings heavy snowfall to Moscow

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